Hellenistic Marble Head of Temis

2nd-1st century BC. A marble head modelled in the round as that of the goddess Temis or Ceres, with semi-naturalistic detailing to the dressed hair and face, with almond-shaped eyes, full lips and fleshy chin. Cf. Aurenhammer, M., Sculpture in Roman Asia Minor, Proceedings of the International Conference at Selçuk,1st–3rd October 2013, Wien, 2018, p.440, fig.3. 275 grams, 70mm (2 3/4"). Property of a London gentleman; before that in the private collection of a Kensington collector; previously acquired on the German art market c.1997; accompanied by a geological scholarly report no.TL05407 by Dr Ronald Bonewitz; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.11014-181109. Probably a votive statuette, of which only the head remains; it may also have been part of a high relief made in the style of Asia Minor sculptures. The hair is arranged into an elaborate hairstyle with a band (taenia) on the forehead and a series of hair ribbons, which help to date it to the late Hellenistic Age, possibly produced at a Greek workshop inside the Roman Res Publica. The right side of the face shows marble inclusions and encrustations.
Condition Report: Fine condition.